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    Papalo Taqueria

    4.1 (24 reviews)
    Closed • 8:00 am - 11:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Zanahoria Taco
    Jake L.

    Hidden gem inside the food hall. Huge menu, I went with two of the carrot tacos and a veggie rice bowl. Tons of food, great prices, filling and bursting with flavor. Would eat here again anytime.

    Elite salad and brisket enchiladas
    Edna C.

    This place was tucked inside Finn Hall in Downtown Houston. The person taking my order answered questions with a smile. We received pagers and it took maybe 8 mins until the fresh food was ready to retrieve for dine in. The guac was so fresh that I tried from my coworker. The tortilla that wrapped the brisket enchilada was so tasty. The brisket was seasoned well. The elote salad was a bit spicier than I normally take but I ate it all because it was so flavorful. We will return to try something else.

    Trio tacos
    Vik P.

    Heard great things about this place, but for me the carnitas and Al pastor lacked seasoning, also the carnitas were very fatty, some pieces inedible. The carne asada taco was great and loved the corn tortillas. Will try again as it maybe was just time thing.

    Chicken quesadilla
    Sheri E.

    Came here for lunch and it was pretty good. I ordered the chicken quesadilla and my husband got the brisket quesadilla. The rice was really bland, but overall it was a great meal.

    Rice bowl
    Linda S.

    Very tasty! Service was fast and I got my food within 10 minutes. It was inside the Finn Hall in downtown Houston! There were a couple of tables for seating with all of the other restaurants and bars inside the hall. It was a cute little place to take people just to have options.

    Rice bowl with chicken and two chicken tacos along with the brisket (Barbacoa) taco.
    Luis B.

    I want to note that I'm trying all of the places on the Michelin guide, so wanted to try this as it had a big gourmand. I would say that they do have good food at moderate prices. The food was a 4, the tacos were really good (the "spicy" sauce is not spicy but had a great smoky flavor) and so was the rice bowl. My preference on the tacos was definitely the chicken. Over the brisket. They also somehow did not have the elote salad which I was hoping to try so that hurt the rating. The service was a 2, not because it was in a food hall but because of the negligence of the staff. Waited in line about 15 minutes to be greeted while they made other orders, people in line in front of me just left.

    Brisket taco, taco de zanahoria
    Antony R.

    Whenever we've been to Fin Hall this place has always been closed since we go kinda late, so when we saw it open we know we had to jump at the opportunity to try it out and we were not disappointed. This place sits in Fin Hall which is a food and drink court, a really cool spot if you're in Houston you have to check out. Now coming from Deep South Texas I'll be up front, it's expensive for tacos. But if you want what I would say is an elevated taco experience give it a shot. The brisket taco was very flavorful, really not much you can say beyond that, when it's right it's right and this is very right. The surprise for me was the taco de zanahoria. Looking at it I was thinking "a carrot taco? How good can that be?" Let me tell you, it can be very good. So much flavor, a definite try if you are vegetarian. I don't think you'll be disappointed even if you're a meat eater. Not pictured was the brisket quesadilla my wife had but that was excellent as well

    Tasty Beans
    Jennifer G.

    What a disappointment! This was our first stop on the newly released Top 50 tacos in Texas. We waited for quite awhile as there was a sign on the register saying "be right back". Most of the menu they didn't have available leaving a choice of the chicken taco or the pork. We shared the trio we ordered. After one bite of the hard dry chicken I was out. All the beautiful pictures we had seen and all the accolades from the magazine seemed to have been of another restaurant. Not worth the time or paying to park.

    Finn hall indoors
    Shaili B.

    Sad to see this place go! Me and my work friends were looking for a lunch area and found Finn Hall which seemed like a food warehouse where we could all get whatever we wanted and still enjoy. I went towards the Mexican because they had good vegetarian options. I got the bowl and it came with tortillas on the side. The portion isn't ridiculously large like our friend Chipotle but it was just the right size to finish in one meal for me. The bowl had greens beans a good sauce on the side sweet Potatoe and everything was flavored very well. Food came out at a decent timing too. I would go back here and try something else. But note- Finn hall is a bit hard to get to from the tunnels so maybe try walking outdoors to get there.

    Alphise W.

    Great flavor and value! Love the chips and guacamole here. The tortillas are also very good as well. Definitely worth a try when visiting Finn Hall

    Our picnic of chilaquiles, charro beans, steak plate and jalapeños en escabeche
    Iris G.

    Been following these talented chefs on the farmers market circuit and at private catered parties. Everything they make is delicious and memorable. Stopped by for their limited edition curbside service and got chilaquiles, which are served with a fried egg, grilled steak, crumbled queso fresco and crema. These are like no other chilaquiles in houston. The tortilla chips in the chilaquiles are thick and crunchy, which soaks up the flavorful tomato sauce they're coated in. Excellent quality ingredients shine through and make the chilaquiles a signature dish you'll definitely crave and seek out. The steak plate came with two fresh handmade tortillas, cabbage tossed in vinaigrette and roasted baby potatoes. The steak wAs tender, juicy, flavorful and lightly charred. A must try, especially if you're a carnivore. We also ordered the charro beans which were flavorful, meaty, saucy and super satisfying. This food is made with skill and lots of love. We'll be back again and again to try the full menu and see what new creations these chefs dream up.

    Corn tortilla tacos 1. Pork with salsa verde 2. Chicken marinated in tepache 3. Chicharrones (pork bellies)
    Josh S.

    Taco lunch today at a concept from Underbelly Hospitality and Xochi veterans Stephanie Velazquez and Nicolas Vera in Finn Hall. Pork with salsa verde, chicken marinated in tepache, and chicharrones (pork bellies). All the meats were of a high quality as were the corn tortillas. Decent flavor in general with the chicharrones taco being the standout, though nothing you can't find at many local food trucks. At $4.25/taco, a bit on the pricey side, but that was to be expected given the central location. Overall, a good option for lunch when working downtown.

    Horchata donut and guava & hibiscus agua fresca

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    5 months ago

    I was order number 8. The two people behind me ordered the same exact thing as me and got their orders before me

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    One of the best tres leches I've ever had! Well done! Also kind owners/employees. Give these dedicated folks a great chance!

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    4 years ago

    Great options for tacos or bowls. High quality. Unique flavors. Great option for lunch downtown and a sign Finn Hall is re-emerging.

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    5 years ago

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    Maderas - Kitchen & Cantina - Barbacoa and Carnita Taco

    Maderas - Kitchen & Cantina

    4.2(296 reviews)
    1.5 mi•Midtown, Fourth Ward, Montrose
    •$$

    Food was great, drinks were so good, vibes were so chill and service was great, definitely…read morereturning for brunch!!

    Not my first time at Maderas. That's why I came back because it was excellent and my friends heard…read moreme rave about it and they suggested we come here. Arrived on Sunday evening around 7:30. Was sat immediately. Not my first time here so I knew the menu, my friends did not. So they needed time to see what drinks they wanted because they like cocktails and the menu is not small and they had to choose which ones they wanted because the options are good. When they decided, the cocktails straggled out. Two came out but the other two did not, They just sat at the bar as my friends sat with there with their drinks in front of them waiting on ours so we can toast to a wonderful day with a new member of the group. You would have thought the other staff would step in or at least the bartender would see that the waiter was in the weeds and needed help. That's when I knew we should have not come. The food was all lukw warm. The appetizer of queso was like warm with chunks of cheese floating around and some of the chips were fresh and others stale. A mixed bag you can say. My Flautas where luke warm, so was the side of beans and rice. My friends said their tacos were okay. My friend who got the Caesar Salad, there was no dressing on the salad not was there a side of dressing that came with it. We had to ask for it. I did not have the energy to try to keep wrangling the waiter. If you want to shut the kitchen down early because the day was long I get it. Let the customer know, I get it. I used to wait tables to but I would never give people luke warm food or luke service. The staff seems not to have one anothers back. I did not eat my food, I took my food home to reheat it so I could eat it at the proper temperature. My friend took his salad home because he had more Caesar dressing at home. Left a bad taste in my mouth and very disappointed. The service and food from the last time compared to this visit was night and day. Total miss. $200.00 thrown away. I paid because I could not let my friends waiste there money on someplace I raved about. Maderas is really a small cute spot. It's rare I have bad service when I go out to eat because I am not a difficult customer and I know I am not the only one they are serving. I will wait for good food and sit back and enjoy the atmosphere and my friends until it arrives. I would not put pressure on the staff or the kitchen. Also I will not arrive just before closing and make a resteraunt and it's staff stay open late because I am hungry. I rather come when the staff and the restaurant wants to recieve customers.

    Photos
    Maderas - Kitchen & Cantina - Right side entry

    Right side entry

    Maderas - Kitchen & Cantina - Rice & Beans

    Rice & Beans

    Maderas - Kitchen & Cantina - Chicken Enchiladas

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    Chicken Enchiladas

    Maximo - Tostada

    Maximo

    4.6(174 reviews)
    5.1 mi•West University
    •$$$

    Maximo looks like someone invited the desert inside and poured it a drink. The room is colorful,…read morewarm, and genuinely inviting--pots of cactus, cowboy paintings, and Mexican art. At brunch, the papas bravas come as small cubes of fried potato with an airy crunch that gives way to a soft, pillowy center - the kind of deeply satisfying bite that makes conversation briefly irrelevant. Crisp prosciutto adds salt, aioli brings richness, and smoky chile sauce keeps it lively. They're served with cactus-handled toothpicks, which are almost offensively adorable. The chilaquiles divorciados are another hit. The chips are dressed with salsa rather than drowned beneath it, so each one arrives ready for the perfect bite. It's a small distinction, but an important one. Then there are the enfrijoladas: rolled quesadillas in fluffy tortillas, covered in creamy black bean sauce and plated with more care than bean and cheese might seem to warrant. The dish is fundamentally simple, but that's the point. Soft tortilla, savory beans, melted cheese, bright salsa. Familiar ingredients transformed into something deeply comforting--the culinary equivalent of curling up beneath a warm blanket on a cold morning, even if Houston rarely provides one. Dinner shifts into another gear. The crudos are sensational, especially the tuna tiradito - a rolling wave of flavor and texture. The tacos are excellent across the board, but the crispy maitake mushrooms are unmatched. The short ribs arrive juicy and tender on a mole negro that doesn't sit politely in the background. It lands dark, complex, and full of flavor. And then there's the masa cornbread, a masterpiece of unapologetic indulgence. Humble cornbread meets savory-sweet mole, smoky, earthy butter, and caviar. It sounds like too much. It isn't. Every element earns its place. The cocktails deserve their own warning. They're the kind that convince you to keep ordering the same drink all night. By the end, you may have forgotten what was in it. What you'll remember is that it was refreshing, perfectly balanced, and exactly what you needed. Maximo makes ambitious food feel generous rather than fussy. Come hungry.

    I came here to celebrate my friend's birthday, and I'm so happy I finally got to try this…read moreestablishment! I would definitely recommend making a reservation, as it can get pretty busy, especially during Saturday lunch. There is also plenty of parking available across the street. The interior of the restaurant was beautiful and felt so authentic to Mexican culture. Our server, Kylah, was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and so kind throughout our entire dining experience. Now onto the food; everything was absolutely delicious. The Avocado Mollete and Chilaquiles Divorciados were both packed with so much flavor. Every bite was amazing. I had heard that the pancakes were the star of the show, and they definitely lived up to the hype. I have never had pancakes this crispy before, and they were so good! Our server also brought out a birthday surprise, the Chocolate Cremoso, and it was delicious! It was such a sweet touch to the celebration. Honestly, everything my party ordered was so flavorful and delicious. We had such a great experience, and I genuinely cannot wait to come back!

    Photos
    Maximo
    Maximo - Tres Leches

    Tres Leches

    Maximo - Paloma Coconut Punch & a classic Margarita.

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    Paloma Coconut Punch & a classic Margarita.

    Dona Leti's - Mini fajita steak street tacos

    Dona Leti's

    4.0(679 reviews)
    4.2 mi•The Heights
    •$$

    Dona Leti's is truly one of Houston's absolute gems, and it will ALWAYS be my go-to! From the owner…read moreto every single member of the staff, the hospitality is unmatched. You are not simply served here--you are welcomed, appreciated, and treated like family. Three weeks ago, I was actually headed here wanting to celebrate, but life changed in an instant with the passing of my dad. Today, I finally made it back, and what a beautiful full-circle moment it was. One of the greatest gifts was being able to see Julio, the owner, celebrating his own special day. That made the experience even more meaningful. The food is consistently AMAZING, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the service goes above and beyond every single time. You can feel the love, pride, and genuine care that has been poured into this establishment. I love EVERYTHING about Dona Leti's--the food, the people, the energy, the hospitality, and the way they make every visit feel special. Five stars simply aren't enough. If you're looking for incredible food and an experience that feels like home, Dona Leti's is the place. Forever a customer and forever recommending this Houston favorite!

    I had an extremely disappointing experience here yesterday--unfortunately, we never even made it to…read moredinner. The experience started poorly with the valet attendants, whom we found to be rude, dismissive, and very unprofessional. It was such an unpleasant first impression that my wife and I mentioned it to the hostess when we went inside. Unfortunately, things did not improve. The hostess seemed completely unconcerned about our experience and simply informed us that the wait for a table was approximately two hours. While deciding whether our party should wait or go elsewhere, I went to the bar to order a drink. After ordering, the bartender told me that if I was only having a drink, I needed to move. Apparently, sitting at the bar required ordering a meal. At that point, we had experienced enough. Between the unpleasant valet experience, the indifferent response at the hostess stand, the two-hour wait, and then being told I couldn't sit at the bar simply to have a drink while we decided what to do, the overall message was clear: we did not feel welcome here. My wife, the rest of our party, and I decided to leave and have dinner elsewhere. A busy restaurant is understandable. A long wait is understandable. What is much harder to understand is making prospective customers feel unwelcome at nearly every point of contact. Needless to say, this was an exceptionally disappointing experience, and we will not be returning.

    Photos
    Dona Leti's - Bar

    Bar

    Dona Leti's - Street Taco

    Street Taco

    Dona Leti's - Passion fruit margarita with a shot of Grand Marnier.

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    Passion fruit margarita with a shot of Grand Marnier.

    Papalo Taqueria - mexican - Updated September 2026

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